ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 29: Rhyne Howard #10 of the Atlanta Dream smiles during the game against the Dallas Wings on August 29, 2025 at Gateway Center Arena at College Park in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Adam Hagy/NBAE via Getty Images)
On Friday, the Atlanta Dream officially clinched a berth in the 2025 WNBA Playoffs after defeating the Dallas Wings.
Last season, the Dream won 15 games and were the eighth seed in the WNBA playoffs. They faced a tough challenge in the first round, losing to the world champion New York Liberty. This season, with five games remaining, the Dream (25-14) is currently in third place in the standings and has already won 10 more games than they did last year.
“This group has shown remarkable resilience and growth throughout the season,” said Karl Smesko, Atlanta Dream head coach. “Clinching a playoff spot is the first step, but our focus remains on finishing strong and competing for a championship.”
This season, Atlanta had three All-Stars, MVP candidate Allisha Gray, Rhyne Howard, and Brionna Jones. That star power has been amplified by critical contributions from Brittney Griner and Jordin Canada, along with Naz Hillmon, the frontrunner for Sixth Player of the Year.
The Dream could still grab the second spot in the WNBA playoffs, as they are tied with the Las Vegas Aces (26-14) in the loss column.
Atlanta returns to action on Monday on the road against the Connecticut Sun.
The first round remains a best-of-three series but will shift to a 1-1-1 format, with the higher seed hosting Games 1 and 3 and the lower seed hosting Game 2. The semifinals will be played as a best-of-five series, while the WNBA Finals expand to a best-of-seven series using a 2-2-1-1-1 format, with the higher seed hosting Games 1, 2, 5, and 7.
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